With spring around the corner I am finding myself wanting to start de-cluttering, organizing and deep cleaning the house! Spring is also a wonderful time to do a little cleanse for your body as well. It has worked hard throughout the winter months and probably consumed heavy treats and alcohol over the holidays. Things start to become stagnant in the body if we aren't regularly exercising, using lymphatic drainage techniques or eating healthy. I love using herbal medicine to give my body a little love and support that's mild enough to integrate into my hectic lifestyle, yet powerful enough to make a difference.
I wanted to create a herbal detox blend to help gently cleanse my liver and digestive organs, while also riding my body of excess waste and mucus. I am going to pair this herbal blend with dry brushing each morning to get my lymph moving, regular exercise, zero alcohol and incorporating some silent meditation into my evenings as well. I just feel like I need it!
The herbs I am choosing for my detox tea this year are red clover, stinging nettle, dandelion and milk thistle. I chose this blend because they all have wonderful detoxing abilities, while also being very nutritive and overall balancing.
Cleansing Herbs
- Red Clover, or trifolium pratense, is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family, Fabaceae. Although primarily nutritive, red clover is also used to support proper lymphatic function, immune support, healthy skin/inflammation, and endocrine function/hormone balancing. It is believed to help the body get rid of excess waste, mucus (acting like an expectorant) and toxins that can accumulate in the body. Additionally, it may help support functions of the liver, lungs, skeletal system and digestive organs. It is believed to help reduce post-menopausal symptoms and also to regulate hormones. Red clover is also a source of many different vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including calcium, chromium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C and more.
- Nettle, or urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages. Studies have shown it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, astringent and analgesic capabilities. Nettle may help to alleviate hay fever and spring allergies as well. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties to keep histamine at bay. Nettle is also rich in nutrients, providing vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.
- Dandelion, or taraxacum officinale, is not just a stubborn lawn weed - it has a host of healing benefits for you to take advantage of. Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins, along with the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. High in antioxidants, dandelion may be helpful in fighting inflammation that lead to health and skin issues. In addition, dandelion has shown promising results in lowering blood pressure and managing blood sugar. Dandelions are known for their detoxifying effects on the liver, aiding digestion and promoting weight loss.
- Milk Thistle, or silybum marianum, is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean. It's touted for its protective effects on the liver and treating gallbladder issues. Like most herbs, milk thistle is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
DIY Detox Herbal Tea Blend:
- Red Clover
- Nettle
- Dandelion
- Milk Thistle
Combine equal parts of red clover, nettle, dandelion and milk thistle into a jar with an air tight lid. Shake to distribute the herbs together evenly. Add 1 tbsp of herbs to a tea pot with a mesh strainer. Pour boiling water over top, cover and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy! You can add a little bit of honey or a squeeze of lemon if you prefer or just drink it plain like I do!
